The Caribbean is taking significant strides in enhancing its cybersecurity resilience through regional collaboration, strategic planning, and proactive policy-making. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, nations in the region are working together to strengthen digital security and combat cybercrime.

Regional Collaboration and Cyber Resilience Strategy

In January 2025, cybersecurity experts from The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and key regional security organizations convened in Port of Spain, Trinidad, for the inaugural Commonwealth Caribbean Cyber Fellowship. This meeting aimed to develop a roadmap aligned with the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration, focusing on preventing and addressing cyber threats such as fraud, ransomware, and hacking. A central component of the roadmap includes an online platform for knowledge sharing and exchanging cybersecurity strategies among nations.

Additionally, the Cyber Resilience Strategy 2030 Project, launched in March 2024 by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and USAID, seeks to bolster cybersecurity capabilities across member states. This initiative is a major step toward mitigating digital threats and securing national infrastructures.

Escalating Cyber Threats and the Need for Cybersecurity Measures

The Caribbean has witnessed a surge in cyberattacks, aligning with global trends. For example, Jamaica recorded approximately 4 million attempted cyberattacks in the first half of 2024, highlighting the region’s vulnerability. The energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean has also been a major target for ransomware attacks, resulting in disruptions to public services and the compromise of sensitive data.

Country-Specific Cybersecurity Initiatives

Jamaica

• AI-Powered Cybersecurity Systems – Jamaica is exploring AI-driven systems capable of 24/7 network monitoring, real-time threat detection, and automated responses. These systems are designed to block threats instantly and notify authorities of suspicious activities.

Trinidad and Tobago

• Cybersecurity Best Practices Guideline (2023) – The Central Bank introduced a guideline with 20 cybersecurity requirements covering governance, risk management, awareness training, business continuity, testing, and incident response.
• Cybersecurity Investment Tax Allowance (2024) – Businesses investing in cybersecurity solutions can claim up to TTD 500,000 in tax deductions.
• TT-CSIRT (Trinidad and Tobago Cyber Security Incident Response Team) – Established with support from OAS and ITU, TT-CSIRT coordinates incident response, shares best practices, and protects critical infrastructure.
• Cyber Strategy Planning Workshop (2024) – The U.S. hosted a five-day cybersecurity workshop in Port of Spain to assist policymakers in implementing effective cybersecurity measures.

Barbados

• Digital Government Strategy – Aims to transform public services using digital innovation.
• International Collaboration – Cybersecurity assessments conducted by U.S. cybersecurity experts have strengthened national cyber defenses.

Cayman Islands

• Cybersecurity Rule for Regulated Entities – The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) mandates comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks for financial institutions.
• Cyber Safe Campaign – A public awareness initiative promoting best cybersecurity practices for businesses and citizens.
• SME Cybersecurity Support – The Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development provides cybersecurity training and recommendations for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Grenada

• National Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) – Launched in 2022, this team operates 24/7 to assist government agencies, businesses, and citizens with cyber threats.
• Digital Transformation Project (2024) – Supported by the World Bank, this initiative includes plans for a dedicated Cybersecurity Agency.

Haiti

• National Cybersecurity Strategy – Focuses on critical infrastructure protection, data security, incident response, and public awareness.
• Haitian Security Initiative – Working alongside international partners to develop cybersecurity policies and strengthen national defenses against cyber threats.

The Bahamas

• National Cybersecurity Strategy (2024) – A government-approved roadmap to protect digital infrastructure.
• CIRT-BS (National Computer Incident Response Team) – Established as a central cybersecurity coordination hub for managing and responding to cyber threats.
• Cybersecurity Capacity Maturity Model (CMM) Review – A comprehensive assessment to evaluate and enhance the country’s cybersecurity capabilities.

Guyana

• National Cybersecurity Policy Framework (2024) – Introduced 43 new cybersecurity policies to enhance cyber resilience across industries.
• Blockchain Technology Integration (2024) – Plans to integrate blockchain technology to secure digital transactions and prevent unauthorized modifications.
• GNCIRT (Guyana National Computer Cybersecurity Incident Response Team) – Provides cybersecurity support to public agencies.
• U.S.-Guyana Cybersecurity Partnership (2023) – A collaboration between the Guyana Defence Force and U.S. Southern Command to improve cybersecurity capabilities.

Conclusion

The Caribbean is making significant progress in cybersecurity, with regional and national initiatives aimed at improving resilience, securing digital infrastructure, and promoting awareness. As cyber threats continue to evolve, these proactive measures will play a crucial role in safeguarding economies, businesses, and citizens from potential attacks.

It is essential for Caribbean nations to remain proactive in developing policies, fostering international collaborations, and investing in cybersecurity infrastructure. These initiatives not only enhance national security but also contribute to the overall economic and digital growth of the region.

Join the Conversation

Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and initiatives by following our blog. Share your thoughts on these cybersecurity efforts in the Caribbean, and let’s discuss ways to further enhance digital security in the region.

💬 Follow CyAN on LinkedIn: Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN)

About the Author: Dale Connell

Dale Connell is a Senior Manager in Consulting, specializing in Cyber Risk and Technology at Deloitte. With extensive experience in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and risk management, Dale plays a key role in strengthening cyber resilience across the Caribbean region.

As CyAN’s first member in the Caribbean, Dale is deeply committed to fostering regional collaboration and advancing cybersecurity initiatives.